Blogs > At Ease with Larece Galer

Larece Galer brings you the latest military news. To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Backyard bivouacs help USO

Backyard bivouacs are an American tradition during the summer months, so why not make them count? Host the next barbecue for the troops and raise money for the USO at the same time.
Visit www.bbqforthetroops.org and set up a web link to a personal event page. Every dollar raised will benefit programs to support our troops and their families.
The USO will even help out by offering delicious and easy recipes each week at http://blog.uso.org.
So fire up the grill, invite some friends, have fun and help the troops at the same time.

All hands wanted on Intrepid deck in August
On Aug. 16, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City will mark the 70th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Intrepid, the World War II Essex Class aircraft carrier that is now home to a museum.
The Intrepid is putting out a coast to coast “all call” for former crew members who will be reunited in a special Homecoming Weekend Aug. 16-18.
For details and more information about the weekend, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org/fcm70.aspx.

BALD Run rolls out of Painesville Legion
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the Annual BALD Run (Bikers Aiding Local Diabetes) on Saturday. The run is $15 per person, bike or automobile.
First bike out from the post will be at noon and last bike to the post will be at 5 p.m., with four stops on the run. Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m.
BALD Run Inc. is a nonprofit organization which raises funds for those in the area affected by diabetes and assists them in the management and care of their disease. Tickets are available at Post 336. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Family Fun Event at Geauga Fairgrounds to benefit veterans
The public is invited to a Family Fun Event from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St. in Burton, featuring live music by Switch, motorcycle pulls and drag races, a 50/50 raffle, a food vendor, military vehicles, a special motorcycle and more.
Donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will benefit the newly formed Veterans Housing Fund, a joint project of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary and Geauga Habitat for Humanity. The fund will provide home improvements for Geauga County veterans, including wheelchair ramps, handicap-accessibility for bathrooms, home energy efficiency upgrades, roofing, siding, yard cleanup and more. Burton-Middlefield Rotary will raise funds to provide the materials, and Geauga Habitat for Humanity will provide the labor.
The event marks the conclusion of a 50-mile escorted motorcycle ride through the county which is expected to draw hundreds of riders, led by Sheriff Dan McClelland and Midge. The riders will begin arriving at the fairgrounds at noon, as the event gets underway. The motorcycle pulls and drag races will begin at 1 p.m.  During the event, Geauga Habitat for Humanity will be accepting nominations of veterans in need. All information will be confidential. For more information, visit BMRMotorcycleRun.com or HabitatGeauga.org.

Catholic War Veterans host membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a membership/poppy drive, 50/50 raffle and TV raffle at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, July 11-13 and at the Gathering of Eagles event slated for July 13-14 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby. For more information, call Second Vice Cmdr. Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156 or cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Reverse raffle at Mentor VFW
Mentor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home. The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing, and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the drawing at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 donation and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. For details, call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

Gathering of Eagles Air Show returns
The Gathering of Eagles XVII Air Show will return to Willoughby Lost Nation Airport, July 13-14. The show will feature aircraft that have protected our freedom and served our country.
This year a Hangar Dance, featuring the Concord Community Band, is noon to 1 p.m. July 13, and the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble performs 1 to 3 p.m. July 14.
Adult admission is $13; juniors ages 4 to 12 years old, $7; and couples, $25. Children under the age of 4 will be admitted free.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Painesville Township Sailor saw it all

Robert Caygle, 92, of Painesville Township, was a young man fresh from a Madison farm when he joined the Navy in 1940. Little did he know when he reported aboard the USS Niblack DD-424, a destroyer, he would witness history.
As a range finder, it was Caygle’s job to site the targets and give the coordinates to the ship’s guns. His station was about 60 feet above the ship’s water line.
“There were a few times I had to duck out of the way of waves,” Caygle said of the rough weather he witnessed.
Caygle was aboard the Niblack on the way to Iceland, when a merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk in April 1941. The Niblack was picking up the survivors, and when an enemy submarine was spotted, the captain ordered depth charges be dropped.
The official version of the incident says the depth charges scared off the submarine. Caygle, however, disagrees.
“I was there and saw the junk and debris in the water,” he said. “In my opinion we sunk it.”
Caygle and the Niblack were involved in escort duty when the Reuben James was torpedoed and blown in half in October 1941. This ship is considered to be the first U.S. Naval ship lost in World War II.
Caygle was aboard when the Niblack took part in a support convoy to Casablanca after the Allied landings on the Moroccan Coast. He also saw action during the invasion of Sicily, entering Palermo Harbor aboard the Niblack following the capture of the city by the Allies.
After the Niblack sustained damage to some of the ship’s hydraulic systems in 1944, the destroyer headed for New York to undergo repairs. She was ported for a week while being repaired.
“I slept most of the time we were there, we had been so busy,” Caygle said. “At times, we were at general quarters two or three days at a time.”
After heading back out to sea, Caygle was involved in the invasion of southern France in 1944. The Niblack and the Gleaves were the only two destroyers in the 8th Fleet that qualified as fighter director destroyers.
He was transferred in 1945 to Electric Hydraulics School in Washington, D.C., and parted company with the Niblack. The ship went on to the Pacific.
Caygle was discharged from the Navy in 1948. He returned to Lake County, settling in Painesville Township to raise a family. He retired from truck driving in 1983.

Family picnic at Post 112
American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host a family picnic at 2 p.m. Saturday at the post home. The picnic will feature Whipples the Clown at 2:30 p.m., kids games at 3 p.m. and Jungle Terry at 4:30 p.m. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Painesville Legion hosts flea market and garage sale
American Legion Post 336 Annual Color Guard Flea Market and Garage Sale will be 9 to 5 p.m. today and Saturday at the post, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Table space is available for $5 per table outside and $7 per table inside, per day. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Chardon VFW has rummage sale
Chardon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday at the post home. No furniture or clothing will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-285-3699.

BALD run rolls out of Painesville Legion

American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the Annual BALD Run (Bikers Aiding Local Diabetes) June 29. The run is $15 per person, bike or automobile. First bike out from Post 336 will be at noon and last bike to the Post at 5 p.m., with four stops on the run.
Breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. BALD Run Inc. is a nonprofit organization, with proceeds benefiting those in this area affected by diabetes and assisting them in the management and care of their disease. Tickets are available at Post 336. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Event will help veterans in need
A family fun event at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St. in Burton, will be noon to 4 p.m. June 30. The festivities will feature music by Switch, motorcycle pulls and drag races, a 50/50 raffle, a food vendor, military vehicles, a special motorcycle and more. Donations will be accepted at the gate. All proceeds will benefit the newly formed Veterans Housing Fund, a joint project of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary and Geauga Habitat for Humanity.
This event will mark the conclusion of a 50- to 60-mile escorted motorcycle ride through the county that is expected to draw hundreds of riders, led by Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland and Midge, the smallest police dog. The motorcycle riders will begin arriving at the fairgrounds at noon, as the fun gets underway.
Geauga Habitat for Humanity will be accepting confidential nominations of veterans in need. Nominations also can be sent to Burton-Middlefield Rotary Ride, P.O. Box 516, Burton, OH 44021. For details visit BMRMotorcycleRun.com or HabitatGeauga.org.

Catholic War Veterans at festival and air show
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 of Lake County will host a membership/poppy drive, 50/50 raffle and TV raffle at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church Festival, July 11-13; and at the Gathering of Eagles event slated for July 12-14 at Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby. For information about the group call Second Vice Commander Ken Kirchner at 440-257-2156 or visit cpd2195@yahoo.com.

Reverse Raffle benefits Wounded Warriors
Mentor VFW Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home. The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing, and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the drawing at 7:15. Tickets are $20 donation and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors. For details call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, June 14, 2013

Military night on tap at Classic Park

The Lake County Captains will host veterans from the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center at military appreciation night today.
The veterans will be both ambulatory and in wheelchairs, but all will enjoy a night out at the ballpark with their nurses and volunteers.
The total number expected is be between 40 and 45 veterans.
The evening will offer military veterans discount tickets for $5 and fireworks will follow the games. Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
For details, call 440-975-8085.

Poor Mans Reverse Raffle
at Willowick Legion

American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host a Poor Man’s Reverse Raffle at 6 p.m. today at the post home. Tickets are $10 a person. A cash bar and food will be available.
For details, call 440-342-0706.

AMVETS Juniors host
submarine night

AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a meatball submarine night 6 to 9 p.m. today at the post home. Cost is $6 for a 6-inch sub and potato chips. The juniors recently were chartered at the post and include members between the ages of 5 and 17 who are dedicated to serving our veterans and community.
For details, call Joe Kirkpatrick at 440-728-4635.

Flag Day events
n American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a “Retirement of Flags” ceremony behind the post home at 1 p.m. today. The public is welcome. For details, call 440-834-8764.
n Willowick American Legion Post 678 and Eastlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 will host a flag retirement ceremony at the Boulevard of 500 Flags at 11 a.m. Sunday. For details, call the American Legion at 440-943-9659 or the VFW at 440-942-3980.

Rummage sale
at Willoughby post

American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the post home. All profits from the Legion table will benefit Fisher House Foundation, which provides free and low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.
For details or table space, at $5 a table, call 440-942-7762 or email legionpost214@gmail.com for information.

Event helps family
AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a fundraiser for the family of John Makse, beginning with a steak dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, followed by side board drawings and entertainment.
Makse, an Air Force veteran, died in March at age 48.
Tickets are $15 a person or two for $25.
For tickets, call 440-257-9217 or Jim Parmator at 440-523-0881 or 440-257-3700.

Legion Riders host
annual flea market

The Legion Riders of American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host the second annual Flea Market on Saturday at the post home. Spaces will be $10 with table; second table will be $5. The sale is open to everyone who would like to clean out their attic, garage or basement.
Proceeds from the sale will help veterans in Lake County. For details or to reserve a space, call 440-724-6871.

Painesville post hosts
pancake breakfast

VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday at the post home. A pancake breakfast that includes eggs and bacon will be served.
Tickets are $5 a person, and the pancakes are all-you-can-eat. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Garage sale benefits Color Guard
American Legion Post 336 annual Color Guard Flea Market and Garage Sale will be 9 to 5 p.m. Thursday through June 22 at the post, 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
Table space is available for $5 a table outside and $7 a table inside per day. For details, call 440-357-7711.

Middlefield Rotary Motorcycle Run set for June 30
The eighth annual Burton Middlefield Rotary Motorcycle Run to raise funds for local veterans will be June 30 beginning at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N. Cheshire St. in Burton Township. The ride will be led by Sheriff Dan McClelland and his dog, Midge. Registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.bmrmotocyclerun.com.

Chardon post hosts
rummage sale

Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 and 22 at the post home. No furniture or clothing will be available.
For details, call the post home at 440-285-3699.

BALD run hosted
by Painesville Legion

American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host the annual BALD Run (Bikers Aiding Local Diabetes) June 29.
The run is $15 a person, bike or automobile. First bike out from Post 336 will be at noon and last bike to the Post at 5 p.m. with four stops on the run. BALD Run Inc. is a nonprofit organization with proceeds benefiting those in this area affected by diabetes.
For tickets or more details, call 440-357-7711.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Painesville Legion to host Remembrance Tribute

American Legion Riders Chapter 336 will host “A Remembrance Tribute” to Ohio veterans at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The tribute will be held at American Legion Post 336 at 60 Chester St. in Painesville.
The event will feature the
traveling Ohio POW-MIA Vietnam Wall and a remembrance ceremony performed by Rolling Thunder.
Neighbors are likely to hear the thrum of a Black Hawk helicopter that is expected to land at the post.
After the ceremony, a dinner will be available for purchase, followed by music with a cash
bar.
Rolling Thunder was organized in 1987, with a mission to educate the public of the fact that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all past wars.
This group has been instrumental in passage of legislation to encourage the remembrance of POW-MIAs from all wars.
Since 1988, thousands of Rolling Thunder motorcycles gather in Washington, D.C., for the annual memorial ride.
The ride continues to remind the country to demand a full accounting of all POW-MIAs.
The event at American Legion Post 336 is open to the public.
For details call the post at 440-357-7711, Steve Anderson at 440-413-1055 or Mike Bodnar at 440-346-2141.

Willowick Legion
hosts Poor Man’s raffles

American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, will host Poor Man’s Reverse raffles at 6 p.m. June 14 at the post home. Tickets are $10 and there will be side boards and a cash bar. For tickets and information, call 440-342-0706.

Flag Day is June 14
Jay Wilson Post 112 of the American Legion reminds everyone that if your American flag is worn out, torn or faded beyond proper use, drop it off at the post home, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison. There is a drop box painted red, white and blue for fast and hassle free drop-offs from your vehicle.
The post membership will present a public flag retirement Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. For details call the post home at 440-428-7893. 

 American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton, will host a flag retirement ceremony behind the post home at 1 p.m. June 14.
The public is welcome. For details, call 440-834-8764.

 Willowick American Legion Post 678 and Eastlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3863 will host a flag retirement ceremony at the Boulevard of 500 Flags in Eastlake at 11 a.m. June 16.
For details, call the American Legion at 440-943-9659 or the VFW at 440-942-3980.

Military Night
at Captains Stadium

Military Night at Classic Park, 35300 Vine St. in Eastlake, will be June 14. Watch the Lake County Captains v. Great Lakes Loons game, which starts at 7 p.m., and stay for the fireworks following the game.
Discount tickets for military members are $5.
For tickets, call 440-975-8085.

AMVETS Post 109
to host fundraiser

AMVETS Post 109, 7847 Lake Shore Blvd. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, will host a fundraiser for the family of John Makse, beginning with a steak dinner 5 to 8 p.m. June 15.
Jerry Cole and the High Plains Drifters will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. and drawings for the side boards and Chinese auction will begin at 8.
Makse, an Air Force veteran, passed away in March at the age of 48.
All proceeds will help with funeral expenses.
Any musicians who wish to attend and jam are welcome to do so in John’s honor.
Tickets are $15 per person or two for $25.
For tickets call 440-257-9217 or Jim Parmator at 440-523-0881 or 440-257-3700.

Legion Riders host flea market
The Legion Riders of American Legion Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host the Second Annual Flea Market on June 15 at the post home. Spaces will be $10 with table; second table is $5.
Spaces under the covered pavilion are limited.
The sale is open to everyone who would like to clean out their attic, garage or basement. Vendors are welcome.
Proceeds from the sale will help veterans in Lake County.
For details or to reserve a space, call Tom at 440-724-6871.

Flea market benefits color guard
American Legion Post 336 Annual Color Guard Flea Market and Garage Sale will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 20 through 22 at the post, 60 Chester St. in Painesville. Table space is available for $5 per table outside and $7 per table inside per day.
For details, call 440-357-7711.

Motorcycle run benefits veterans
The 8th Annual Burton Middlefield Rotary Motorcycle Run to raise funds for local veterans will be June 20 beginning at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 North Cheshire St. in Burton.
The ride will be led by county Sheriff Dan McClelland and his dog, Midge. Registration and sponsorship information can be found at www.bmrmotocyclerun.com.

VFW hosts rummage sale
VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St. in Chardon, will host a rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 and 22 at the post home.
No furniture or clothing will be available.
For details, call the post home at 440-285-3699.

Reverse Raffle
at Mentor VFW Post

VFW Post 9295, 8682 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, will host a reverse raffle beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at the post home.
The evening will include side boards, a 50/50 drawing, and a $1,000 giveaway. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the drawing at 7:15. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
For details, call the post at 440-255-3473 or Bud Spreng at 440-255-2917.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.

Labels: , , , ,